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In 1709 - 1710 the old church was enlarged
and considerably altered, and a west gallery was constructed
as part of the work. Because Wanstead was
expanding quickly as a suburb, the size of the church became
inadequate, and it was completely demolished.
A
new church was built in 1790 by Thomas Hardwick, and dedicated
in 1791. This church was built with galleries on north, west
and south sides, supported by plastered columns. An organ and
choir seating were provided in the west gallery. The organ has
been enlarged on several occasions, and remains in the west
gallery, as will be seen from the photograph below.
The
pulpit has a sounding board supported by slender palm tree
columns; this, together with the galleries and box-pews
remain, and the church is said to be the best example surviving of an 18th
century church in Essex. (CEPC)
The choir's original seating also still survives in the west
gallery, although the choir was robed from 1901, at which time
they moved to the chancel.
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